UCOL Blog

The newest member of UCOL’s School of Nursing’s teaching staff is likely to spend all day lying in bed but she is destined to play a key role in student learning.

Affectionately known as ‘Annie’, the newly purchased state of the art, life-like mannequin is designed for scenario-based training in general patient assessment and care.

Complete with normal and abnormal heart and breathing sounds, and the ability to cough, moan and scream Annie gives nursing students a unique simulated experience of patient care.

Along with simulated lungs and stomach, trachea and oesophagus Annie provides important anatomical landmarks for students to practise basic procedures.

Annie’s functions can be remotely controlled by teaching staff who are able to programme up to ten different nursing care ‘scenarios’ for nursing students to respond to. 

Nursing lecturer Susie le Page says the interactive mannequin replicates an educational experience that is often not possible during student placement.

“Students can take Annie’s blood pressure readings,” says Susie. “They are also able to practice more invasive procedures like intravenous cannulation and intramuscular injections.”

Although anatomically a female, ‘Annie’ can also be transformed into a male patient by swapping genital modules. The ‘skin’ on her arms can also be replaced as necessary.

Photo: First year Bachelor of Nursing student Tareq Barzak takes Annie’s blood pressure. Nursing lecturer Susie le Page operates Annie by remote control.

For further information contact:
Brian Gilchrist
Director of Nurse Education and Head of School
Phone +64(6) 952 7001 ext 70463 or Mobile +64 (21) 190 0055